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Football Recruiting Standards by Level and Position

The recruiting process for football is highly competitive, and coaches evaluate athletes on a combination of measurable attributes, on-field skills, academics, and character. Below is a comprehensive guide organized by position and level.

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Quarterback (QB)

D1 FBS

  • Height/Weight: 6'2"–6'6", 200–240 lbs

  • Speed: 4.6–4.9 40-yard dash

  • Strength: Strong arm (50+ yards), quick release.

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Reads defenses pre- and post-snap.

    • Accuracy under pressure.

    • Leadership and composure in critical situations.

    • Pocket awareness and mobility.

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS

  • Similar to D1 FBS but with slightly less emphasis on elite size and arm strength.

  • Developmental prospects with athletic upside are often prioritized.

D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • Height/Weight: 6'0"–6'5", 180–225 lbs (D2/D3/NAIA may have more size variation).

  • Speed: 4.7–5.0 40-yard dash.

  • Potential to develop decision-making and accuracy is crucial. JUCO often serves as a stepping stone for athletes looking to transfer to higher levels.

Running Back (RB)

D1 FBS

  • Height/Weight: 5'9"–6'1", 190–230 lbs

  • Speed: 4.4–4.6 40-yard dash

  • Strength: Bench 300+ lbs, squat 450+ lbs

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Explosiveness through gaps.

    • Vision to identify running lanes.

    • Balance and ability to break tackles.

    • Pass-catching and blocking ability.

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • Height/Weight: Slightly smaller variations, 5'8"–6'0", 180–220 lbs.

  • Speed: 4.5–4.7 40-yard dash (D1 FCS, D2); 4.6–4.9 (D3/NAIA).

  • Versatility in both rushing and receiving is valued across all levels.

 

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Wide Receiver (WR)

D1 FBS

  • Height/Weight: 6'0"–6'4", 180–220 lbs

  • Speed: 4.3–4.6 40-yard dash

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Elite route-running ability.

    • Ability to high-point the ball.

    • Yards-after-catch (YAC) capability.

    • Separation against man and zone coverage.

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • Height/Weight: 5'10"–6'3", 170–210 lbs.

  • Speed: 4.4–4.7 40-yard dash (D1 FCS, D2); 4.6–4.9 (D3/NAIA).

  • Route running, ball skills, and versatility are prioritized at lower levels.

Tight End (TE)

D1 FBS

  • Height/Weight: 6'4"–6'7", 230–270 lbs

  • Speed: 4.6–4.8 40-yard dash

  • Strength: Bench 300+ lbs, squat 450+ lbs

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Versatility as a receiver and blocker.

    • Ability to create mismatches with size and athleticism.

    • Excellent hands and ball control.

    • Strong understanding of route concepts and defensive coverages.

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • Height/Weight: 6'2"–6'6", 220–260 lbs.

  • Speed: 4.7–5.0 40-yard dash (D1 FCS, D2); 4.8–5.2 (D3/NAIA).

  • Development potential in blocking or receiving is often prioritized.

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Offensive Line (OL)

D1 FBS

  • Height/Weight: 6'4"–6'8", 280–330 lbs

  • Speed: 5.0–5.3 40-yard dash

  • Strength: Bench 350+ lbs, squat 500+ lbs

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Quick feet in pass protection.

    • Hand placement and punch power.

    • Ability to pull and block in space.

    • Recognition of defensive schemes.

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • Height/Weight: 6'2"–6'6", 270–310 lbs.

  • Emphasis on physicality and technique over size at lower levels.

Defensive Line (DL)

D1 FBS

  • Height/Weight: 6'3"–6'6", 250–320 lbs

  • Speed: 4.8–5.1 40-yard dash

  • Strength: Bench 350+ lbs, squat 500+ lbs

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Explosive first step off the line.

    • Hand-fighting skills to disengage blockers.

    • Gap discipline and containment on run plays.

    • Ability to collapse the pocket in pass rush.

    • Versatility to play multiple techniques (3-4 DE, 4-3 DT).

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS

  • Height/Weight: 6'2"–6'5", 240–300 lbs

  • Speed: 4.9–5.2 40-yard dash

  • Often seeks players with strong fundamentals who need development in size or strength.

D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • Height/Weight: 6'0"–6'4", 220–290 lbs (may vary significantly).

  • Speed: 5.0–5.4 40-yard dash.

  • Emphasis on hustle, technique, and effort to overcome size and speed differences at lower levels.

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Defensive End (DE)

D1 FBS

  • Height/Weight: 6'3"–6'6", 240–280 lbs

  • Speed: 4.6–4.8 40-yard dash

  • Strength: Bench 350+ lbs, squat 500+ lbs

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Explosive first step off the snap.

    • Ability to bend around the edge and maintain leverage.

    • Strong hand usage to disengage blockers.

    • Awareness to play the run and set the edge.

    • Versatility to rush from both 4-3 and 3-4 alignments.

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS

  • Height/Weight: 6'2"–6'5", 230–270 lbs

  • Speed: 4.7–4.9 40-yard dash

  • Similar traits to D1 FBS but often slightly smaller or less developed. Developmental prospects with strong potential are prioritized.

D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • Height/Weight: 6'0"–6'4", 220–260 lbs (size and frame vary widely).

  • Speed: 4.8–5.1 40-yard dash.

  • Strong focus on effort, motor, and technique to compensate for size or speed disadvantages.

Linebacker (LB)

D1 FBS

  • Height/Weight: 6'1"–6'4", 220–250 lbs

  • Speed: 4.5–4.7 40-yard dash

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Sideline-to-sideline range.

    • Ability to read and react to plays.

    • Strong tackler in space and in traffic.

    • Blitzing ability and pass-rush skills.

    • Coverage skills for tight ends, running backs, and zone drops.

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS

  • Height/Weight: 6'0"–6'3", 210–240 lbs

  • Speed: 4.6–4.8 40-yard dash

  • Focus on athletes who can contribute immediately on special teams while developing as linebackers.

D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • Height/Weight: 5'11"–6'2", 200–230 lbs (size and frame vary widely).

  • Speed: 4.7–5.0 40-yard dash.

  • Tackling consistency and motor are essential, especially at D3 and NAIA levels.

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Defensive Back (DB)

D1 FBS

  • Height/Weight: 5'10"–6'2", 175–210 lbs

  • Speed: 4.4–4.6 40-yard dash

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Hip fluidity for quick changes of direction.

    • Ball skills in coverage and ability to track deep passes.

    • Physicality in press coverage.

    • Awareness in zone schemes and quick reads on the ball.

    • Open-field tackling ability.

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS

  • Height/Weight: 5'9"–6'1", 170–200 lbs

  • Speed: 4.5–4.7 40-yard dash

  • Attributes are similar to FBS but with more developmental needs.

D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • Height/Weight: 5'8"–6'0", 165–190 lbs.

  • Speed: 4.6–4.9 40-yard dash.

  • Emphasis on technique, instincts, and versatility to cover multiple positions.

Long Snapper (LS)

D1 FBS

  • Height/Weight: 6'2"–6'4", 220–250 lbs

  • Snap Speed: 0.65 seconds or faster (15 yards, punts).

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Consistent accuracy and velocity on snaps.

    • Blocking ability against rushers.

    • Athleticism to cover punts.

    • Ability to handle pressure in critical moments.

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS

  • Height/Weight: 6'1"–6'4", 210–240 lbs.

  • Snap Speed: 0.70 seconds or faster.

  • Developmental prospects with solid fundamentals are prioritized.

D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • Height/Weight: 6'0"–6'3", 200–230 lbs.

  • Focus on accuracy, reliability, and blocking at lower levels.

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Kicker/Punter (K/P)

D1 FBS

  • Kicker:

    • Consistent FG range: 50+ yards.

    • Kickoff hangtime: 4.0+ seconds.

  • Punter:

    • Average punt: 43–47 yards with 4.5+ seconds hangtime.

  • On-Field Attributes:

    • Calmness under pressure.

    • Quick operation time (1.3 seconds or less).

    • Ability to perform in high-stakes situations.

  • Academics: 3.0+ GPA; SAT 1000+ / ACT 18+.

D1 FCS

  • Kicker: FG range of 45+ yards and consistent kickoffs.

  • Punter: Average punts of 40–44 yards with 4.3+ seconds hangtime.

  • Developmental opportunities are common.

D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO

  • FG range: 40+ yards at D2/D3 levels.

  • Consistency is prioritized over leg strength at lower levels.

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The recruiting process for college football is rigorous, with expectations varying by division and program. Coaches evaluate athletes based on physical attributes, on-field skills, academics, and character.

Lance O's Recruiting Network is here to guide and mentor student-athletes through this process. With personalized support and expert advice, we help athletes develop their potential, showcase their skills, and achieve their dream of playing football at the highest level possible. Let us help turn your hard work and dedication into success on and off the field.

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